HOTmaths dictionary

This illustrated dictionary offers free access to over several hundred mathematical symbols, terms and definitions from the early secondary syllabus.

Select any letter to see examples of mathematical terms with clear explanations and helpful diagrams.

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© 2007 HOTmaths Pty Ltd

Term Definition vanishing point in a perspective drawing, the point at which parallel lines going into the distance appear to meet Example Even though they are parallel, railway tracks in the far distance appear to meet at the vanishing point.

Related links: 3D shapes — Drawing solids Congruent and similar shapes — Drawing similar figures

© 2007 HOTmaths Pty Ltd

Term Definition variable a letter or other symbol taking the place of a number A variable does not necessarily represent just one specific number; it can represent many different values (see also pronumeral).

© 2007 HOTmaths Pty Ltd

Term Definition Venn diagram a diagram using circles or ellipses to show the relationships between two or more sets

Related links: Set theory — Applying Venn diagrams Set theory — Set relationships and Venn diagrams

© 2007 HOTmaths Pty Ltd

Term Definition vertex a point where two straight lines meet to make an angle; in 3D solids, a point where three or more straight edges meet to make a corner

Related links: Angles — How to name an angle Angles — Types of angles Angles — Angle theorems 3D shapes — Faces, edges and vertices 3D shapes — Classifying solids 3D shapes — Drawing solids Exploring geometry — Exploring rhombuses and squares Exploring geometry — Constructing lines and angles

© 2007 HOTmaths Pty Ltd

Term Definition vertical standing or pointing straight up or at an angle of 90° to a horizontal surface or line; perpendicular to the ground Example The diagram shows a vertical line, extending straight up and down.

Related links: Algebra — Patterns on the number grid Length, perimeter and area — Areas of triangles Time — Time zones Representing data — Travel graphs Representing data — Histograms and polygons The number plane — Maps and plans

© 2007 HOTmaths Pty Ltd

Term Definition vertically opposite angles a pair of equal angles that are opposite each other across their common vertex, formed when two straight lines intersect Example The diagram shows two pairs of vertically opposite angles equal in size (each pair is marked with a different colour).

Related links: Angles — Angle theorems Angles — Angles in parallel lines

© 2007 HOTmaths Pty Ltd

Term Definition vertices plural of vertex

Related links: 2D shapes — Plane shapes 2D shapes — Angle sum of a triangle 3D shapes — Faces, edges and vertices 3D shapes — Drawing solids Congruent and similar shapes — Which shapes are similar? Congruent and similar shapes — Drawing similar figures Exploring geometry — Exploring rhombuses and squares

© 2007 HOTmaths Pty Ltd

Term Definition vinculum the separating line in a fraction

Related links: Fractions — What is a fraction?

© 2007 HOTmaths Pty Ltd

Term Definition volume the amount of three-dimensional space in an object (see also capacity) Example The volume of a cube with side length 3 cm is 27 cm3.